Sparkplugs

[Static89]

you may call me a noob or whatever, but im just wondering on the steps of changing sparkplugs, iv never done it before and id rather not screw it up, seeing as though im on my own in this one im turning to u guys for help, i assume i pull the caps off the plugs and undo the sparkplugs change then then put them back on but hey, u never know any tips would be much appriciated


Mark

[Ozzie]

basically what you have said.

do them one at a time so you dont mix up the firing order (remove one lead at a time)
youll need a plug socket to fit the sparkplug, make sure theres not too much crap round the plug area that can fall into the heads. Make sure to put the socket on all the way or you risk snapping plugs

[nicko]

also a spark plug will screw in fairly easily, so if it nips up at all STOP and back it off then try again. You dont want to cross thread a plug hole.

[Static89]

thanx for that guys, so i have a sparkplug socket, and i just do them 1 at a time?

and dont overtighten and make sure if it catches i back off straight away?

anything else??

[acarmody]

Basically do them up finger tight then an extra 1/4 turn. If you strip or crack them you will spend ages getting all the parts out of the hole. So basically don't over-tighten them. And yeah one plug at a time.

Oh and wait till the engines cold, my fingers are testament to how hot the damn plugs get.

[nicko]

check the gaps on the spark plugs. Use a pair a feeler gauges to measure the gap to ensure its correct. Ill have a dig to find the correct gap unless someone can remember it b4 me. Feeler gauges are just thin pieces of metal that have small numbers stamped on there so you can measure small gaps to 0.01 of a milimetre

[Static89]

lmao i was planning on starting it driving it out the garage opening the bonnet n starting, then i was thinking of starting on the debadging if i can find some fishing line

[Static89]

lmao, mate i havnt got feeler gauges :P

[nicko]

$5 and you will have a set

[Static89]

lol unemployment rocks my world


is it worth getting a set? or is it a 1 time thing?

[Static89]

i got the plugs here, champion gold advanced performance but no idea on the gap they have

[nicko]

its not like your going to need them to change your plugs but every now and then you pull out a plug and the gap is totally up shiyte creek. Spark can play a major roll in your cars reliability etc etc. I bought a set and check the gaps everytime i change plugs just to be sure.

[Static89]

ahh ok, ill invest in a set after i paid off everyone thats been lending me money as im trying to find a job

[Ozzie]

i believe the gaps should be 2.0mm
take them to 1.5mm for longer life

[pablo]

The correct gap is 1.5mm!...only. If you have purchased the correct plugs for the vehicle, they will have been correctly gapped ex factory, tho you should always check.
Do a search, this has been discussed recently on this forum.

Pablo

[pablo]

When screwing in the new plug, tighten to finger tight, untill the gasket contacts the head, THEN turn it another 30 DEG. That is around 1/3 of a 1/4 turn, NOT a quarter of a turn, put a little anti-sieze grease on the threads and before you remove the old plugs, blow any dirt away from the plug rebate, as this will fall in the hole when the plug is removed and grind in the thread when you screw in the new plug.
When you remove the plug boot, don't pull on the high tension lead, grab the boot and pull with a twisting motion, they are a bugger to get off sometimes.

[Hot-Rod]

I am feeling special, i just changed my spark plugs and my leads. Damn it wasn't easy cause of that damn alternator.

That spiral plastic stuff is so annoying trying to feed the leads through it. Anyway its done now, won't have to do it again for another 60 thou km.